This post is part of a special annual report -- Top Stock Picks '09 -- in which TheStockAdvisors.com asked 75 leading newsletter advisors to select their favorite investment for the new year.
"Monsanto Company (NYSE: MON), my favorite investment idea for 2009, should prosper regardless of how the economy performs," Charles Rotblut, CFA and editor of Zacks Elite.
In the same sector, Tracey Ryniec, editor of The Zacks Value Trader looks to Corn Products International (NYSE: CPO), noting, "Despite a tough economy, this 100-year old company is positioned to reap the 
rewards from growth in agriculture."
Regarding Monsanto, Rotblut continues, "Monsanto helps farmers improve their crop yields, via both better seeds and herbicides. In blunt terms, MON provides solutions that most farmers will view as more of a necessity than a luxury.
"The data supports this assessment. Since fiscal 2005, revenues have more than doubled, rising from $5.3 billion to $11.4 billion. Net income has jumped nearly tenfold and free cash flow is up substantially.
"Looking forward, Monsanto thinks fiscal 2009 profits will total $4.20 to $4.40 per share -- an approximate 18% increase over fiscal 2008. The company also thinks that gross profits will grow by a compound annual growth rate of 15% to 20% over the next 3 years.
"Monsanto is a well-run company operating in a good sector. Worldwide economic growth has allowed many to eat beyond a subsistence diet.
"The concurrent increased reliance on biofuels has also increased demand for agricultural products. As a result, farmers are planting more and are looking to maximize the yields of crops they grow.
"Despite these positives, MON continues to trade at attractive valuations. The stock has a forward-looking P/E of 17 and P/B multiple of 4.1. Plus, MON yields a dividend of 1.2%.
"Given the likelihood that actual earnings will exceed current forecasts, the reasonable valuation and the favorable outlook for the agricultural sector, MON should make shareholders happy regardless of how the economy performs in 2009."
Regarding Corn Products, Tracey Ryniec suggests, "Corn Product is the largest producer of dextrose in the world, and manufactures starches, high fructose corn syrups, and glucose in 15 countries.
"2008 was another fantastic year despite a failed attempted merger with agribusiness company Bunge Limited. Stock market conditions put a halt to the deal.
"Analysts expect CPO to have 2008 year-over-year earnings growth of 37.55%. Five-year earnings growth projections call for 11%. In October, Corn Products raised 2008 full-year guidance to the range of $3.40 to $3.60 compared to its previous guidance of $3.15 to $3.35.
"Even without the merger with Bunge, the company is strong going into 2009. It is coming off of its third year of record revenue.
"Sales had been hitting new records nearly every quarter during that time period. The company also has been showing pricing power across all divisions. It's also cheap. Corn Products has a forward P/E of 8 and a PEG of only 0.70. As the global credit crunch continues, Corn Products is in the enviable position of returning cash to shareholders.
"Wildcards for 2009 include the price of corn, which has been volatile in recent months, energy prices, and currency fluctuations. The decline in energy prices, if it holds, should actually add to the bottom line.
"While it may seem risky to invest in a commodities-related company in 2009, Corn Products has proven from its history that it can ride out the rockiest of economic environments. CPO is positioned to continue to reap the rewards from growth in the agriculture sector."
Steven Halpern's TheStockAdvisors.com offers a daily look at the latest market commentary and favorite stock picks and investment ideas from the nation's leading financial newsletter advisors.
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